CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 8 Issue 4 - 10

T RI C KS O F TH E TRAD E

COLLECTED WISDOM

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a compilation of flight instructors'
favorite techniques for teaching a procedure, enhancing a student's aviation
experience, and promoting learning. Click on the "Leave a Comment" tab to
share your favorite instructional tip.
NIGHT VFR
To help your students understand that flying at night, especially on
a moonless night, can be like flying in instrument conditions, give
dual instruction at an airport (rural if possible) that provides a dark
environment immediately after liftoff. This will demonstrate how easily
ground references are lost, especially outside of metro areas or over
large bodies of water. Prepare students beforehand as to what to expect,
depending on their proficiency level.
-John Dirksen
AT YOUR SERVICE
I have noticed that at really good flight schools, the entire staff welcomes
the clients that come in for flight instruction.
-Anonymous
STICK AND RUDDER SKILLS
I suggest that training by reference to instruments be delayed while
students are pre-solo. Such training keeps the student's attention
focused inside the aircraft to the detriment of initially learning how
to control the aircraft by visual (outside) references and learning good
stick and rudder skills.
-Harold Smith

SPIN AWARENESS TRAINING
When it comes to teaching spin awareness, the use of a flight simulator
or flight training device is valuable. The instructor can "teach" the
maneuver step by step-from stall to spin entry to recovery-pausing
the sim at each stage to discuss what is happening, while flying in a
controlled, safe environment. It's a great opportunity for the student
to experience and discuss the maneuver with the instructor. The goal
is awareness but encourage your student to obtain spin training in the
future in an approved aircraft.
-Anonymous
PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE-EVEN INSTRUCTING SKILLS
We do what we repeatedly practice. As instructors, we have primary
influence on our students developing safe behaviors and best practices.
What should we practice? How to let our students build confidence
in ADM. Our end goal is for them to safely operate without us. We can
practice being quiet, letting others make decisions. A good opportunity
is when we are a passenger in a car while someone else is driving. We can
practice when to speak, ask questions, make suggestions, or be silent.
It is hard because as instructors we are so used to talking. But we can
practice outside of the airplane.
-Karin Spencer

How about you? Do you have a tip you'd like to share with other CFIs? Click on the "Leave a Comment"
tab below or email cfinewsletter@aopa.org to add your wisdom to the list.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of CFI-to-CFI Newsletter - Volume 8 Issue 4